The red "In Use" light flickers out. Six hours of bypass. We did it. Together.

"Check the post-op orders, Evans," Liam says, but his voice is thick. I turn to leave, but he catches my arm, pulling me into a quiet hallway.

"I didn't do it to make you invisible," he says, slamming his hand against the wall. "I did it because I wanted you to look at me! I wanted to be the only person in your world who was worth your attention!"

"You've had my attention for ten years," I whisper. "I didn't have room for anyone else because you were everywhere."

Liam’s expression shatters. "Then stop running. I'm tired of the fight. I’ve decoded every arrhythmia, but I can't crack us." He pulls out the silver fountain pen—the one he used to save my life. "I’m stepping down from the Chief position. I’d rather be your equal in a tiny clinic than your boss in the biggest hospital in the world."

He presses the pen into my palm. "I used this to give you your breath back. Now, I’m asking you to use it to write a different story with me."

I pull him down by his collar. There are no rescue breaths this time. There is only a collision of ten years of rivalry turning into a lifetime of devotion.

"Liam Thorne, you are the most insufferable man I’ve ever met."

"And?" he prompts.

"And if you ever try to save my life with a pen again, I’ll kill you myself."

He lifts me up, his heart beating a perfect rhythm against mine. The "Code Blue" is over. Some codes aren't meant to be cracked. They're meant to be lived.

🖋️ "I’d rather be your equal... than your boss." Liam stepping down from the Chief position is the ultimate grand gesture! 😭 Did his confession make you swoon? Tell us your favorite part of this epic finale below! 👇 Hit ❤️ to celebrate Liam and June writing their new story, and share this beautiful ending with your bestie! 🏥✨ #RomanticAudioClub